Trail Mix: Engaging Children
Growing up I was lucky enough to have Nature surrounding me and I'm sure it helped spark my curiosity, creativity and passion for the outdoors. What kind of strategies should be used for engaging the next generation of kids growing up? I think groups such as Kawartha Wilds who create sessions that are engaging help keep kids focused and introduce them to something new.
Kawartha Wilds Tracking Club
There is a yearly online event called "Ask a Curator" Day (#AskACurator on Twitter), and I posed the question to the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa as to how they engage the youth, and here was their reply....
"Good question – we’re finding that our programmes are more effective when we engage the students in hands-on discovery and inquiry. Rather than giving them information that we expect them to memorize and repeat, we try to provoke their curiosity and inspire them to discover answers for themselves. One of the most direct ways is asking the right questions. My colleague Kelly Manweiler presented a workshop on Effective Questioning Strategies to all the museum educators. I think you will find the handout she compiled very helpful (attached). There are also some great on-line resources, such as: www.cea-ace.ca/education-canada/article/engaging-students-through-effective-questions"
Thanks for the reply!
So now I ask you... how are you keeping the next generation interested? Public programs? Nature hikes? Camping? Share your thoughts with us!
Update: Here's a response we received on Twitter...
@trailswag @museumofnature bring birdseed for chickadees. With a little patience, they'll come pick seeds out of your hands. Fun for all!
— Adam(@Pondaine) January 1, 2013
@trailswag As a class we made cranberry/Cheerios/marshmallows/raisin "bracelets" to hang from the trees for birds and squirrels to enjoy.
— Julie Morris (@CupcakeJu) January 3, 2013
